A rich and comprehensive data system is necessary for identifying,tracking, and implementing interventions methods in order to reduce health disparities in the traditionally underserved.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released their new standards for data collection of race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, and disability status.  These new standards came after an evaluation of current data collection methods, consultation with data collection agencies, a review of Office of Management and Budget and Institute of Medicine reports. All HHS-sponsored person collecting population data is expected to adopt the new standards starting in Nov. 2011.

Source: Journal of American Medical Association, December 7, 2011 – Vol 306, No. 21

A copy of the new data collection standard can be found here.